La Mission Haut Brion 1978 Case (750MLx12)

99 JS / 98 VM / 97 WA / 96 RP / 18 JR

I am blown away by the intense iodine and dark fruits and roses on the nose. Full-bodied with very clear and bright fruit. Stoney. Superb quality. - James Suckling

There was one younger wine. The 1978 La Mission Haut-Brion is one of the best wines of that decade and did not disappoint. Still youthful and dark in hue, it has that wonderful bouquet of blackberries, gravel and black olive, here displaying a heightened marine/Japanese nori scent. The palate is medium-bodied with dense black fruit, melted tar and pencil lead, a La Mission that responds to aeration as it gains depth and grip, whilst maintaining outstanding delineation. It still comes across quite sweet on the finish, testifying a La Mission that intends to give pleasure for many years to come. - Neal Martin, Vinous media

Arguably the wine of the vintage, the 1978 La Mission Haut-Brion continues to drink brilliantly, offering up a rich bouquet of blackberries, licorice, dried figs and burning embers, followed by a full-bodied, broad and layered palate that's rich, textural and multidimensional, framed by ripe acids and sweet, powdery tannins. Deep and sapid, it concludes with a long, resonant finish. The 1978 La Mission remains impressively youthful today and is far from exhibiting any sign of decline. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

The 1978 La Mission-Haut-Brion is a strong candidate for the wine of the vintage. It is deep ruby/purple-colored with no signs of evolution. The wine is much more backward than Haut-Brion. It is intensely fragrant, displaying a supple, smooth, velvety texture, and well-developed, rich, cassis, gravel, and smoky scents and flavors. It is very full bodied, rich, and supple. This layered, concentrated wine can be drunk now, but promises to be even better with additional bottle age.-Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

Healthy glow, with lots of richness and great balance and fragrance. This is very successful indeed and is certainly not tired. Delightful balance and lift. The slightly mineral corset of La Mission but great rich fruit and balance. Very complete.-Jancis Robinson